DHAKA, Jan 14, 2019 (BSS) – Bangladesh Railway (BR) signed an agreement
with US based company for procuring 40 broad gauge (BG) locomotives at a cost
of Taka 1,123.05 crore.
According to the agreement, all the locomotives (engines) will be added to
the BR fleet after 24 to 36 months as per the contract with US-based company
Progress Rail. Asian Development Bank (ADB) is financing for the project.
Additional Director General (Rolling Stock) of BR Md Shamsuzzaman and
senior vice president of Progress Rail Patric O’donnel signed the agreement
on behalf of their respective sides.
Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan was present at the deal-signing
ceremony as the chief guest.
The minister in his speech said the government is working to give the best
service to passengers through Bangladesh Railway.
“It will be possible to introduce more train service after getting new
engines and earn more revenue from the railway sector,” he added.
The minister assured that necessary measures would be taken to recruit
manpower sooner aimed at mitigating manpower crisis.
Currently, there are 94 broad gauge locomotives to the Bangladesh Railway
fleet, of which 55 locomotives expired financial year (20 years).
During the contract signing ceremony Railways Secretary Md Mofazzel
Hossain, Director General Md Kazi Rafiqul Alam, representative of Progress
Rail and officials concerned were present.